Byron Shire businesses have taken home top honours at the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, shining a light on the region's unique contribution to the visitor economy.
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said events like this are a great reminder of the close connection between our region and the visitor economy.
"We must always keep locals and the environment at the heart of this conversation because a successful tourism industry depends on a healthy, vibrant community and the protection of the natural places people come here to experience," Mayor Ndiaye said.
The awards—jointly hosted by Byron Shire Council and Destination North Coast—celebrate excellence, innovation, and the positive impact of tourism across the region.
Local winners included:
- First Sun Holiday Park – GOLD in Caravan and Holiday Parks
- Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens – GOLD in Tourist Attractions
- Let's Go Surfing – SILVER in Adventure Tourism
- Cape Byron Kayaks – BRONZE in Adventure Tourism
Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said it was encouraging to see local businesses recognised, including the Council-owned First Sun Holiday Park.
"Not everyone realises that Council owns two beachfront caravan parks, First Sun in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park Holiday Park, both of which play an important role in welcoming visitors and supporting local jobs.
"Congratulations to the team from Belgravia, who manage First Sun, for their dedication to quality and visitor experience. This award is a reflection of their hard work."
Mayor Ndiaye also congratulated Peter Noble and the Bluesfest team on their induction into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging the festival's decades-long role in shaping Byron's cultural and economic identity.
The awards follow another standout event in Byron Shire, the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit, which brought together national artists, promoters, and policymakers to discuss the vital role music plays in regional communities.
"This week the focus turns to reading and writing at the Byron Writers Festival in Bangalow, which is always a highlight of the calendar," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"It's another example of how the Shire continues to inspire, inform, and bring people together," she said.
